Change the Windows Explorer Default Folder

Windows 7 users know that when they go to their Windows Explorer, the first window that opens up is for Libraries. Well, that’s fine and dandy, but what if I want to start off someplace else? What then?

Today we’re going to learn how to change all that. So locate your Windows Explorer icon on your taskbar, or click Start and type WindowsExplorer into your Search Box. Either way, you’re going to want to right-click the Windows Explorer icon and select Properties.

Under the Shortcut tab, focus your attention to the text input box next to Target:

Simply type the address of the folder you want Windows Explorer to start in after the %windir%\explorer.exe. So, for example, mine would look like this:

Note: An easy way to select a new default location is to browse to the location, right click in the address bar, select Copy address as text and paste in the Target box.

After your new default folder location is in, click Apply then OK.

Now open up Window Explorer again and take a look at where you’re at! If you ever want to go back to the original location, simply follow the same steps and delete just the location address you inputted.